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Sunday, April 24, 2011

Venetian Risi e Bisi - Rice and Peas - Easter 2011

From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...I had gone to market in search of English peas and while there I happened on a display of large canned hams that I hadn't seen in years. They were a feature of holiday meals and throughout the 50's and 60's you'd be hard pressed to attend a party where they weren't served. The hams were usually topped with rings of pineapple and studded with maraschino cherries before being glazed and warmed for service. They weren't bad and they fit the lifestyles of woman trying to cast off years of rationing and cooking that kept them in the kitchen for hours at a time. The women who emerged from the war loved the simplicity of Danish modern furniture and the ease of frozen food. A company ready ham that need only to be warmed was perfect for their needs. That ubiquitous ham was part of Easter dinner in many homes across the country. Strange as it seems, while the food was simple, the holiday itself seemed more important then it does today. The Easter bunny was on a par with Santa and egg hunts replaced the magic of empty stockings miraculously filled by elves or angels. In those simpler times, Easter really did mean bonnets and parades, and to the delight of little girls, the holiday came with new outfits that included shinny Mary Janes.

It was also a more overtly religious holiday than it appears to be today. We spent a lot of time in church during Holy Week, but it wasn't as oppressive as you might think. I will forever be moved when I hear the "Exultet" and the "Alleluia" from the Easter vigil services and I'm so grateful they were part of my childhood. While Easter may have no meaning for many, it's my hope that we all believe in new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil. So, whatever your beliefs, I hope you all bask in the sun of this new day.

After that introduction, I was sorely tempted to make a canned ham and share it with you, but then I realized you'd probably stone me and I wanted no part of that. So, I'm heading back to the peas with which I began this post. “Risi e bisi” (rice and peas) is a classic Venetian dish. While many think it is a risotto, it is actually a very light soup. There should always be just enough liquid in the bowl to require a spoon for eating. It is very easy to make and you'll love it as long as you don't overcook the rice. The soup can be table ready in half an hour and it is a perfect light meal to break a fast or settle an uneasy stomach. The soup will absorb liquid as it sits, so it's best to serve it as soon as the rice is ready. If you have leftovers you will have to add stock when you reheat the soup. I think you'll really like this one. Here's the recipe.

Directions:1) Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and cook for 5 minutes. Add peas and salt, and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes.2) Add chicken stock and 2 cups water, and bring to a boil. Stir in rice and parsley, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until rice is al dente and peas are very soft, about 20 minutes.3) Adjust seasonings and serve immediately before rice absorbs liquid. Top with grated parmigiano-reggiano, if you like. Yield: 4 to 6 servings.

Cook's Note: While this dish is best made with fresh peas, 3 cups of frozen peas can be substituted.

This looks so good, and I had no idea it had any broth and that it is a soup!!!! Hoping you have a blessed Easter Sunday, and I'm up for that ham, I have never cooked one before and I'd like to use one already pre-coooked.

I have a scar beside my right eyebrow . . . where my young brother pushed my even younger head into a just opened canned ham. Remember those funny keys that you had to use to open them and that sharp edge. Yup, lots of stitches on my tiny head. I only have a faint memory of being in the car on the way to the hospital. I love my brother, but have never been a fan of canned ham.:)

What a lovely Easter post. You brought back lots fo memories. And yes I surely remember those canned ham; glad you didn't decide on that recipe; your Risi e Bisi looks wonderful. Easter celebration has changed so much in our family, but I cherish those memories of holy week.Happy Easter to you and yours.Rita

My dad is a vegetarian so no canned hams on our table at Easter but I do remember Kam or its counter version Spam showing up often during the summer months with a mashed potato salad! Have a wonderful aster Mary!!

Mary, I appreciate the Easter sentiments you expressed, as well as the way you expressed them. I'm thinking that (since I would need to use frozen peas) it might make sense to add them when the rice is done.

Mary, you are so right about Easter being a more important holiday then than it is today. As kids, we also spent a lot of time in church and for us, even though it almost always snowed on Easter Sunday, cold or not it meant new hats, new dresses and short stockings in our new shoes instead of heavy oppressive winter clothing. It was a welcome celebration of spring in all its glory, even it though Spring was really a long way off. As for the canned ham, oh my goodness that brought back memories too. Thank you Mary!

Easter used to me one of my favorite holidays. My basket was full of little plastic dinosaurs (no idea) and yummy chocolates and then we'd all dressed up and go to church, followed by food and family at the Aunties' house. I really miss that sometimes.

I found what you said was beautiful and inspiring, I share you thoughts exactly. I love soup, from the hearty to the liquid - this one is definately being added to my collection. It is amazing how fast it is.

I remember the canned hams of the 50's - a huge splurge for my family. I loved that there was a key that opened it. And bonnets and gloves. My daughter had bonnets - but alas not white gloves for Sunday mass - they were gone. If anything does represent spring for me it is this dish. Fresh peas with rice and some Parmesan and you are lifted into a new season. Happy Easter, Mary. I hope you've had a beautiful day.

Are you sure you didn't grow up in my neck of the woods? All your "sights" and "sounds" make my ears ring of familiarity:) Many a meal has begun with Rice and Peas in our house as a child. Thanks for the memories, Mary.

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